WO2020145888A1

WO2020145888A1 - A probe coupler apparatus and method of forming an ultrasonic probe assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2020145888A1
Application number: PCT/SG2019/050584
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hong Jun Chen; Jia Yun HEE
Original assignee: Biobot Surgical Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2019-01-11
Filing date: 2019-11-28
Publication date: 2020-07-16
Also published as: SG10201900284WA

Abstract

A probe coupler apparatus and a method of forming an ultrasonic probe assembly are provided. The probe coupler apparatus includes a probe cover and a rigid probe sheath. The probe cover is configured to receive a length of an ultrasonic probe, and includes a body portion and a pocket portion. The pocket portion defines a pocket between the probe cover and the ultrasonic probe, and the pocket is configured to store an ultrasound couplant. The rigid probe sheath is configured to enclose at least a length of the probe cover and the ultrasonic probe. The pocket is configured to abut an inner surface of the rigid probe sheath to transmit ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic probe through the rigid probe sheath.

Description

A Probe Coupler Apparatus and Method of Forming an Ultrasonic Probe Assembly

Technical Field

[0001 ] The present invention generally relates to a probe coupler apparatus and method of forming an ultrasonic probe assembly.

Background Art

[0002] Ultrasonography (ultrasound imaging) is an imaging technique which uses high- frequency sound waves (ultrasounds) to view internal body structures (particularly soft tissues). Ultrasounds are sound waves with frequencies higher than the upper audible limit of human hearing. The limit varies between individuals, and is approximately 20 kilohertz (20,000 Hz) in adults. Sonograms (ultrasound images) are generated by transmitting ultrasound pulses into the tissue using a probe, receiving the sound waves echoed off the tissue, transforming the received sound waves into digital signals based on at least the intensity and the time delay between the transmission and reception of sound waves, and displaying the digital signals as an image using a processor. Ultrasound images can be generated in real-time, and can show not only static images of internal body structures, but also the relative movement of the structures as well as blood flow through the structures. Ultrasonography is often used in urology for diagnostic purposes, where tissues in the pelvic region are generally imaged. Pelvic sonography can be performed externally or internally, depending on the type of pelvic tissue to be imaged. Internal pelvic ultrasonography can be performed either transvaginally or transrectally.

[0003] Ultrasonography is often used together with brachytherapy (a form of radiotherapy where one or more sealed radiation sources are placed proximate the tissue requiring treatment). Ultrasonography is used to image the tissue and surrounding regions, and to assist in placement of the source carriers (also known as applicators or “needles” for simplicity) to the correct positions near the tissue. Hence, clear sonograms are often preferred as they can allow operators to complete the procedure with greater ease. However, presence of air bubbles between the probe and the tissue can substantially attenuate ultrasound transmission and degrade the clarity of the sonograms, making it difficult to identify the tissue, surrounding regions and applicators in the sonograms. Besides attenuation effects, air bubbles in significant volume can also present an acoustic impedance mismatch between the transducer and the tissue, prevent efficient ultrasound transmission and make imaging impossible. Ultrasonic couplant such as ultrasound gels, are typically applied on the ultrasound probe to reduce occurrence of air bubbles between the probe and the tissue. However, in conventional approaches, the ultrasonic couplant is simply applied over the probe and typically result in limited efficacy since the translational and/or rotational movement of the probe can dislodge the ultrasound couplant and/or introduce air bubbles between the probe and the tissue.

[0004] Accordingly, what is needed is a probe coupler apparatus and method of forming an ultrasonic probe assembly that seek to address some of the above problems. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of the disclosure.

Summary of Invention

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention provides a probe coupler apparatus including: a probe cover configured to receive a length of an ultrasonic probe, the probe cover including a body portion and a pocket portion, the pocket portion defining a pocket between the probe cover and the ultrasonic probe, the pocket configured to store an ultrasound couplant; and a rigid probe sheath configured to enclose at least a length of the probe cover and the ultrasonic probe; wherein the pocket is configured to abut an inner surface of the rigid probe sheath to transmit ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic probe through the rigid probe sheath.

[0006] The body portion may be configured to sealingly engage with the ultrasonic probe to position the pocket over a predetermined location of the ultrasonic probe.

[0007] The ultrasonic probe may include an ultrasonic probe transducer at the predetermined location.

[0008] A portion of the pocket may extend over an arc of more than or equal to 180 degrees relative to a central axis of the probe cover.

[0009] A diameter of the rigid probe sheath may be larger than a diameter of the probe cover, and the rigid probe sheath and the enclosed probe cover may define a volume therebetween. [0010] The body portion may include a plurality of protrusions configured to abut the inner surface of the rigid probe sheath, to urge the pocket against the inner surface of the rigid probe sheath.

[001 1 ] The probe cover may include a plurality of air-permeable, liquid-impermeable pores disposed on the pocket portion.

[0012] An inner surface of the probe cover may include one or more grooves extending from the pocket portion to an open end of the probe cover.

[0013] The enclosed probe cover and ultrasonic probe may be translationally and/or rotationally movable within the rigid probe sheath.

[0014] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method of forming an ultrasonic probe assembly. The method includes the steps of: providing a probe cover including a body portion and a pocket portion; depositing an ultrasound couplant at least within the pocket portion of the probe cover; mounting the probe cover onto an ultrasonic probe such that at least a length of the ultrasonic probe is received by the probe cover; forming a pocket between the probe cover and the ultrasonic probe using the pocket portion, the pocket storing the ultrasound couplant; inserting the ultrasonic probe having the probe cover mounted thereon into a rigid probe sheath such that the rigid probe sheath encloses the probe cover and the ultrasonic probe and such that the pocket abuts an inner surface of the rigid probe sheath to transmit ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic probe through the rigid probe sheath.

[0015] Forming the pocket between the probe cover and the ultrasonic probe may include sealingly engaging the body portion of the probe cover with the ultrasonic probe over a predetermined location of the ultrasonic probe.

[0016] The ultrasonic probe may include an ultrasonic probe transducer at the predetermined location.

[0017] A portion of the pocket may extend over an arc of more than or equal to 180 degrees relative to a central axis of the probe cover. [0018] The rigid probe sheath may have a diameter larger than that of the probe cover, such that the rigid probe sheath and the enclosed probe cover define a volume therebetween.

[0019] The probe cover may include a plurality of protrusions configured to abut the inner surface of the rigid probe sheath to urge the pocket against the inner surface of the rigid probe sheath.

[0020] The probe cover may include a plurality of air-permeable, liquid impermeable pores disposed on the pocket portion.

[0021 ] An inner surface of the probe cover may include one or more grooves extending from the pocket portion to an open end of the probe cover.

[0022] The enclosed probe cover and ultrasonic probe may be translationally and/or rotationally movable within the rigid probe sheath.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0023] Embodiments of the invention will be better understood and readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the following written description, by way of example only, and in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

Fig.1

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of a probe coupler apparatus, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

Fig.2

[0025] Fig. 2a shows a sectional view of a probe coupler apparatus with an alternate probe cover, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Fig. 2b shows a sectional end view of the probe coupler apparatus of Fig. 2a.

Fig.3

[0026] Figs. 3a and 3b show perspective views of a probe cover, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. [0027] Fig. 4 shows a flowchart illustrating a method of forming an ultrasonic probe assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0028] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been depicted to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the illustrations, block diagrams or flowcharts may be exaggerated in respect to other elements to help to improve understanding of the present embodiments.

Description of Embodiments

[0029] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the invention or the following detailed description. Flerein, a probe coupler apparatus and method of forming an ultrasonic probe assembly are presented in accordance with present embodiments having the advantages of improved ultrasonic coupling between the probe and the tissue, reduced occurrence of air bubbles and clearer sonograms.

Overview

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a probe coupler apparatus. The probe coupler apparatus according to various embodiments include a probe cover configured to receive a length of an ultrasonic probe and a rigid probe sheath configured to enclose at least a length of the probe cover and the ultrasonic probe. The probe cover comprises a body portion and a pocket portion, the pocket portion defining a pocket between the probe cover and the ultrasonic probe. The pocket is configured to store an ultrasound couplant, and can abut an inner surface of the rigid probe sheath to transmit ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic probe though the rigid probe sheath. In other words, the ultrasound couplant is stored and constrained within the pocket portion of the probe cover, thereby minimising the possibility that the ultrasound couplant becomes dislodged and the formation of air bubbles as a result of translational and/or rotational movement of the probe during ultrasonography. Advantageously, in various embodiments, only the rigid probe sheath contacts the tissue to be scanned, as the rigid probe sheath encloses both the probe cover and the ultrasonic probe. Thus, contact between the tissue and the probe cover is reduced, thereby enhancing the sterility of the ultrasonography, particularly internal ultrasonography. Moreover, the rigid probe sheath can isolate the tissue being scanned from translation and/or rotational motion of the ultrasonic probe, and can therefore reduce or prevent possible deformation of the tissue caused by the motion and allow for stable tissue positioning and clear, consistent sonograms.

Exemplary Embodiments

[0031 ] Embodiments of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings. Like reference numerals and characters in the drawings refer to like elements or equivalents.

[0032] Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of a probe coupler apparatus 100, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The probe coupler apparatus 100 comprises probe cover 102 configured to receive a length of an ultrasonic probe 104. The probe cover 102 comprises a body portion 106 and a pocket portion 108. The pocket portion defines a pocket 1 10 configured to store an ultrasound couplant 1 12. A rigid probe sheath 1 14 is configured to enclose at least a length of the probe cover 102 and the ultrasonic probe 104. The pocket 1 10 is configured to abut an inner surface 1 16 of the rigid probe sheath 1 14 to transmit ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasound probe 104 through the rigid probe sheath 1 14.

[0033] In various embodiments of the invention, the body portion 106 of the probe cover 102 is configured to sealingly engage with the ultrasonic probe 104 to position the pocket 1 10 over a predetermined location of the ultrasonic probe 104 where an ultrasonic probe transducer 1 18 is located, such that the position of the pocket 1 10 does not shift relative to the ultrasonic probe transducer 1 18. Thus, the body portion 106, together with the pocket portion 108, can constrain the ultrasound couplant 1 12 such that it remains in position over the predetermined location even as the pocket 1 10 is pressed against the inner surface 1 16 of the rigid probe sheath 1 14. The probe cover 102, together with the ultrasonic probe 104, can translate and/or rotate within the rigid probe sheath 1 14 while maintaining contact between pocket 1 10 and the inner surface 1 16 of the rigid probe sheath 1 14. In various embodiments, the probe cover 102 can include an open end 120 and a closed end 122, and the pocket portion 108 can be provided proximate to the closed end 122 of the probe cover 102.

[0034] Fig. 2a shows a sectional view of probe coupler apparatus with an alternate probe cover 200 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2b shows a sectional end view of the probe coupler apparatus of Fig. 2a, taken across line A-A. The probe cover 200 is similar to the probe cover 102 shown in Fig. 1 . Flowever, the body portion 202 of the probe cover 200 further includes a plurality of protrusions 204. The plurality of protrusions 204 is configured to abut the inner surface 1 16 of the rigid probe sheath 1 14, and can advantageously urge the pocket 206 against the inner surface 1 16 of the rigid probe sheath 1 14. In some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions 204 can be diametrically opposite the pocket 206. In alternate embodiments, the protrusions 204 can be distributed over a circumference of the probe cover 200 to provide similar urging effects.

[0035] In various embodiments, the probe cover as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 can also include a plurality of air-permeable, liquid impermeable pores. Fig. 3A shows a probe cover 300 comprising the plurality of air-permeable, liquid impermeable pores 302. The ultrasonic probe and the rigid probe sheath are not shown in Fig. 3A for clarity. The plurality of pores 302 are configured to allow air to pass through the probe cover 300, and can thus allow excess air that is trapped within the probe cover 300 (particularly as the probe cover 300 is mounted on the ultrasonic probe) to be removed while retaining the ultrasonic couplant within the pocket 304. In other embodiments of the invention, an inner surface 308 of probe cover 306 (shown in Fig. 3B) can include one or more grooves 310 extending along a length of the probe cover 306. The one or more grooves 310 can extend from an open end 312 of the probe cover 306 towards an interior of pocket 314. The one or more grooves 310 can allow air that may be trapped within the probe cover 306 to be removed, particularly as the probe cover 306 is mounted on the ultrasonic probe (not shown), while retaining the ultrasonic couplant within the pocket 314 of the probe cover 306. The one or more grooves 310 can be sealed after the air within the probe cover 306 is removed to prevent air from re entering the probe cover 306 or leakage of the ultrasonic couplant. While the plurality of air- permeable, liquid impermeable pores 302 and the one or more grooves 310 are shown on separate probe covers 300, 306 in these examples, it can be appreciated that the plurality of air-permeable, liquid impermeable pores 302 and the one or more grooves 310 may be provided on a single probe cover.

[0036] In embodiments of the invention, the rigid probe sheath 1 14 can be a rigid cylindrical tube with a closed end. The rigid probe sheath 1 14 is made of sonolucent material (i.e. a material which allows passage of ultrasonic waves without producing echoes). The probe cover 102, 200 and the ultrasound couplant 1 12 are similarly sonolucent. In alternate embodiments, the pocket portion of the probe cover 102, 200 can be sonolucent while the body portion is non-sonolucent. Further, the ultrasound couplant 1 12 (generally in gel or liquid form) is pliant and can allow the pocket 1 10 to conform to the inner surface 1 16 of the rigid probe sheath 1 14 as the pocket 1 10 is urged against the inner surface 1 16. Furthermore, in some embodiments of the invention, a portion of the pocket 1 10 for storing the ultrasound couplant can extend over an arc of more than or equal to 180 degrees relative to a central axis of the probe cover 102, 200. For example, the pocket 1 10 may be T- shaped (see Figs. 3a and 3b) to accommodate a biplane ultrasonic probe, with one end extending over an arc of approximately 180° to cover a transverse transducer of the biplane ultrasonic probe.

[0037] The enclosed probe cover 102 and the ultrasonic probe 104 are translationally and/or rotationally movable within the rigid probe sheath 1 14 to facilitate ultrasonography. In other words, the pocket 1 10 can be orientated from a first position against the inner surface 1 16 of the rigid probe sheath 1 14 to a second position against the inner surface 1 16 of the rigid probe sheath 1 14. Moreover, as shown in Fig. 1 , a diameter of the rigid probe sheath 1 14 can be larger than a diameter of the probe cover 102, such that the rigid probe sheath 1 14 and the enclosed probe cover define a volume 124 therebetween. The volume 124 can advantageously allow easy translation and/or rotation of both the ultrasound probe 104 and the probe cover 102 within the rigid probe sheath 1 14. Further, the ultrasound couplant 1 12 may be disposed on the exterior of the probe cover 102 as a lubricant to reduce friction between the probe cover 102 and the inner surface 1 16 of the rigid probe sheath 1 14.

[0038] Fig. 4 shows a flowchart 400 illustrating a method of forming an ultrasonic probe assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. At step 402, a probe cover comprising a body portion and a pocket portion is provided. At step 404, an ultrasound couplant is deposited at least within the pocket portion of the probe cover. At step 406, the probe cover is mounted onto the ultrasonic probe, such that at least a length of the ultrasonic probe is received by the probe cover. At step 408, a pocket is formed between the probe cover and the ultrasonic probe using the pocket portion, the pocket storing the ultrasound couplant. At step 410, the ultrasonic probe having the probe cover mounted thereon is inserted into the rigid probe sheath such that the rigid probe sheath encloses the probe cover and the ultrasonic probe and such that the pocket abuts an inner surface of the rigid probe sheath to transmit ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic probe through the rigid probe sheath.

[0039] In various embodiments of the invention, the body portion of the probe cover is sealingly engaged with the ultrasonic probe to position the pocket over a predetermined location of the ultrasonic probe where an ultrasonic probe transducer is located. In some embodiments, the probe cover can be fitted over the ultrasound probe with the ultrasound couplant optionally held in position relative to the probe cover. As the body portion of the probe cover is securely attached to the ultrasound probe, the ultrasound couplant is held in place by the probe cover over the ultrasound probe transducer such that it conforms to the ultrasound probe.

[0040] In embodiments of the invention, the entire assembly of the ultrasound probe, the probe cover, and the ultrasound couplant is inserted into the rigid probe sheath. The pliant ultrasound couplant is pressed against the probe sheath as its position is constrained by the probe cover, and conforms to the inner surface of the probe sheath. The ultrasound couplant remains in place over the predetermined location even as the probe undergoes linear and/or rotary motion, since the probe cover constraining the ultrasound couplant is securely attached to the ultrasound probe. The ultrasound waves from the probe transducer can travel through the ultrasound couplant and probe sheath to the tissue. The ultrasound couplant, at least the pocket portion of the probe cover and the probe sheath are sonolucent, and do not hinder clarity of ultrasound image.

[0041 ] Thus it can be seen that the probe coupler apparatus and method of forming an ultrasonic probe assembly in accordance with the present embodiments have the advantages of improved ultrasonic coupling between the probe and the tissue, reduced occurrence of air bubbles and clearer sonograms. While exemplary embodiments have been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the invention, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist.

[0042] It should further be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, operation, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements and method of operation described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A probe coupler apparatus comprising:

a probe cover configured to receive a length of an ultrasonic probe, the probe cover comprising a body portion and a pocket portion, the pocket portion defining a pocket between the probe cover and the ultrasonic probe, the pocket configured to store an ultrasound couplant; and

a rigid probe sheath configured to enclose at least a length of the probe cover and the ultrasonic probe;

wherein the pocket is configured to abut an inner surface of the rigid probe sheath to transmit ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic probe through the rigid probe sheath.

2. The probe coupler apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the body portion is configured to sealingly engage with the ultrasonic probe to position the pocket over a

predetermined location of the ultrasonic probe.

3. The probe coupler apparatus of claim 2, wherein the ultrasonic probe comprises an ultrasonic probe transducer at the predetermined location.

4. The probe coupler apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a portion of the pocket extends over an arc of more than or equal to 180 degrees relative to a central axis of the probe cover.

5. The probe coupler apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a diameter of the rigid probe sheath is larger than a diameter of the probe cover, and wherein the rigid probe sheath and the enclosed probe cover define a volume therebetween.

6. The probe coupler apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the body portion comprises a plurality of protrusions configured to abut the inner surface of the rigid probe sheath to urge the pocket against the inner surface of the rigid probe sheath.

7. The probe coupler apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the probe cover comprises a plurality of air-permeable, liquid-impermeable pores disposed on the pocket portion.

8. The probe coupler apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein an inner surface of the probe cover comprises one or more grooves extending from the pocket portion to an open end of the probe cover.

9. The probe coupler apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the enclosed probe cover and ultrasonic probe are translationally and/or rotationally movable within the rigid probe sheath.

10. A method of forming an ultrasonic probe assembly, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a probe cover comprising a body portion and a pocket portion;

depositing an ultrasound couplant at least within the pocket portion of the probe cover;

mounting the probe cover onto an ultrasonic probe such that at least a length of the ultrasonic probe is received by the probe cover;

forming a pocket between the probe cover and the ultrasonic probe using the pocket portion, the pocket storing the ultrasound couplant;

inserting the ultrasonic probe having the probe cover mounted thereon into a rigid probe sheath such that the rigid probe sheath encloses the probe cover and the ultrasonic probe and such that the pocket abuts an inner surface of the rigid probe sheath to transmit ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic probe through the rigid probe sheath.

1 1 . The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein forming the pocket between the probe cover and the ultrasonic probe comprises sealingly engaging the body portion of the probe cover with the ultrasonic probe over a predetermined location of the ultrasonic probe.

12. The method as claimed in claim 1 1 , wherein the ultrasonic probe comprises an ultrasonic probe transducer at the predetermined location.

13. The method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein a portion of the

pocket extends over an arc of more than or equal to 180 degrees relative to a central axis of the probe cover.

14. The method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the rigid probe sheath has a diameter larger than that of the probe cover, such that the rigid probe sheath and the enclosed probe cover define a volume therebetween.

15. The method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the probe cover comprises a plurality of protrusions configured to abut the inner surface of the rigid probe sheath to urge the pocket against the inner surface of the rigid probe sheath.

16. The method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the probe cover comprises a plurality of air-permeable, liquid impermeable pores disposed on the pocket portion.

17. The method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein an inner surface of the probe cover comprises one or more grooves extending from the pocket portion to an open end of the probe cover.

18. The method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the enclosed probe cover and ultrasonic probe are translationally and/or rotationally movable within the rigid probe sheath.